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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Vertigo Caused By Loose Crystals In The Ears?

My dad is 93 yrs old and in perfect health. Works everyday, mows, rebuilds cars etc. About 4 yrs ago he started having problems with his left ear. He has had surgery 2x, had all kinds of treatments and therapys, but the crystals in his ear will not stay where they are supposed to, now he has started having dizziness along with it.. What could it be and what will help?
posted on Fri, 20 Jan 2017
Twitter Fri, 14 Dec 2018 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 17 Dec 2018 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

By what you explain he might have BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) which is caused by otoliths (small crystals being precipitated in small stones in the inner ear, labyrinth) and while they move in the tubes of the labyrinth they cause dizziness and vertigo (spinning feeling).

It is generally benign and the most effective treatment is the tests that replace the otoliths with Epley manoeuvre.

The doctor can make this maneuver in the office and your father can learn it and do it at home to treat episodes.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Vertigo Caused By Loose Crystals In The Ears?

Hello, By what you explain he might have BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) which is caused by otoliths (small crystals being precipitated in small stones in the inner ear, labyrinth) and while they move in the tubes of the labyrinth they cause dizziness and vertigo (spinning feeling). It is generally benign and the most effective treatment is the tests that replace the otoliths with Epley manoeuvre. The doctor can make this maneuver in the office and your father can learn it and do it at home to treat episodes. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician